The Red Sox continue to carry 13 pitchers. The club would like to cut back to 12 and add a fourth reserve position player.

That could happen as early as Sunday. Asked why it did not happen Saturday, Valentine gave a confusing, convoluted answer that left media to believe there was an injury concern with a pitcher at either the major or minor league level, or both.

Valentine did say the decision to stay with 13 pitchers did not involve Josh Beckett, whose strong outing Friday convinced the club he was healthy.

Lin hit .235 in Triple A last year. His career minor league average is .257.

Valentine did not want to belabor the extent of Ellsbury's absence, and what it means to the team.

Ellsbury is hardly the first key Red Sox player lost to injury.

"I love Jacoby. I love Carl Crawford, Andrew Bailey, John Lackey and Daisuke Matsuzaka. But they're not here,'' he said.

With Ellsbury out, the Red Sox not have a natural leadoff hitter. Valentine said he hoped the upcoming weeks would prove the focus on the leadoff spot was overrated.

Shortstop Mike Aviles hit leadoff Saturday. Rather than dwell on what he did not have, Valentine made light of the entire leadoff dilemma.

"We will have a leadoff hitter every single day,'' he cracked. "I guarantee it.''